Okay, picture this: How do I Is it a weeknight, you’re staring blankly into the fridge, and the takeout menus are calling your name? What is Teriyaki sauce? Is it a game changer? I swear, it rivals my Grandma’s secret apple pie recipe (and that’d be a good thing!). What’s the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and just a touch of zing that’ll have you licking your lips.? What are some of the best bottled sauces? This is the real deal, made with love (and a few pantry staples!) Plus, it comes together faster than you can say “delivery fee”. Is it true that you’ll never buy store bought again?
What is Teriyaki sauce?
Homemade Teriyaki Sauce. What is a flavor bomb? Think of it as the umami-rich cousin of your favorite barbecue sauce, but with an Asian twist. The name “teriyaki” itself comes from the Japanese words “terri” (meaning luster or shine) and “yakis” (meaning to grill or broil). So, traditionally, it refers to the cooking method where food is glazed with sweetened soy sauce. What is the best way to cook a chicken breast, then grilled or broiled? Who says you have to stick to tradition? I use this sauce on everything from chicken and salmon to tofu and veggies. What are some of the best ways to add flavor to any dish? What are the best recipes to make at home?
Why I love this recipe?
Oh, where do I even begin? This Homemade Teriyaki Sauce is my go-to recipe for so many reasons. First and foremost, the flavor is out of this world. It’s the perfect balance of sweet from the sugar and honey, savory from the soy sauce, and a touch of warmth from the ginger and garlic. It’s seriously addictive! What I love most about this is how incredibly simple it is to make. Seriously, it only takes about 15 minutes from start to finish. No fancy ingredients or complicated techniques required! Plus, it’s a total budget-friendly option. You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry. And let’s not forget about its versatility. You can use this sauce on pretty much anything. I’ve used it as a marinade for chicken, salmon, and tofu. I’ve brushed it over grilled veggies. I’ve even used it as a dipping sauce for dumplings. It’s more versatile than my LBD and I mean that!
Compared to store-bought teriyaki sauces, which can be loaded with artificial flavors and preservatives, this homemade version is a much healthier and tastier option. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll never go back to the bottled stuff! This is way better than that gloopy stuff you get at the grocery store.
How do I make homemade Teriyaki sauce?
Quick Overview
How do you make Teriyaki sauce? You’ll simply whisk together all the ingredients in a saucepan, bring it to simmer, and let it cool. What should I do if I want to thicken for a What happens when the sauce simmers and the flavors meld together into a symphony of sounds? What’s the best part about customization? Add a little more honey. Prefer more heat? Throw in some red pepper flakes. What’s your sauce?
Ingredients
For the Base:
* 1/2 cup soy sauce (I prefer low-sodium to control the saltiness) * 1/4 cup water Sugar (packed) * 2 tablespoons honey (adds a lovely depth of flavor) * 1 tablespoon cornstarch (to thicken the sauce) * 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (for a touch of tang) Is grated cheese better than regular cheese? ) * 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced)* 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil (adds a flavor to any dish)
What are the steps to
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
In a medium saucepan, whisk together the soy sauce, water, brown sugar, honey, and rice vinegar. Set aside. How do you stir together cornstarch, ground ginger, garlic powder, sesame oil, and salt until thoroughly dissolved. How do you make a smooth sauce?
Step 2: Simmer and Thicken
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly. Once it starts simmering, reduce the heat to low and continue to simmer for about 5-7 minutes. If you want a thicker sauce, cook it for 5 minutes. I like mine to be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. But everyone has their preference.
Step 3: Cool and Store
In a small saucepan, heat the sauce until it cools. Remove from the heat and let cool. As it cools, it will thicken even more. Once cooled, transfer the sauce to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. If it lasts that long, it will last for up to a week.
What should I serve it with?
Where does the fun begin? What are some of the best ways to serve homemade Teriyaki Sauce? What are some of my favorite ways to use it?
What’s the best way to serveMarinate chicken breasts or thighs in the teriyaki sauce for at least 30 minutes (or even overnight). For maximum flavor) and then grill them to perfection. Serve with rice and steamed veggies for a complete meal.
With Salmon:If you’re grilling salmon, brush it with teriyaki sauce and bake, broil, or grill it until cooked through. The sauce creates a beautiful, glossy glaze that’s simply irresistible. What is the best way to use it?
With Tofu:Press firm or extra-firm tofu to remove excess water, then cube it and toss it with the teriyaki. Is it a good vegetarian option to fry your tofu?
With Veggies:What’s your favorite vegetable to serve with teriyaki sauce? How do you roast a tomato in the oven until tender-crisp? What are some healthy side dishes?
As a Dipping Sauce: Serve the teriyaki sauce as a dipping sauce for dumplings, spring rolls, or egg rolls. It adds a burst of flavor that complements the fillings perfectly.
My family loves when I make a big batch of fried rice and then drizzle this teriyaki sauce over the top. Is it a good meal? What are some fun ways to add pineapple chunks to chicken teriyaki? What is the best combination of pineapple and teriyaki sauce?
How do I make Teriyaki Sauce?
How do I make homemade Teriyaki Sauce? The next level: the next step:
How do you use fresh ginger and garlic?While ground ginger and garlic powder work in a pinch, using freshly grated ginger or minced garlic can work too. What are some ways to add color to a sauce? I highly recommend it if you have the time.
How do you adjust the sweetness of your drink?If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add brown sugar or honey. If you like it less sweet, reduce the amount of sugar or honey.
Add a Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes for Heat: Add 14 cup of water to the pan.Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce while it’s simmering. Start with a small amount and add more to taste. You can always add, but you can’t take it away!
Don’t overcook sauce!Do not overcook the sauce, as it can become too thick and sticky. Simmer it just until it reaches your desired consistency.
How do you strain the sauce for a smoother texture?If you want a super smooth sauce, strain it through an fine-mesh sieve after it’s finished cooking. How do I remove bits of ginger and garlic from my mouth?
What are the Storing and Reheating Tips?
How do you store homemade Teriyaki sauce?
Room Temperature: roomI don’t recommend leaving your sauce at room temperature for more than two hours.
Refrigerator Storage: WhatStore sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The sauce will thicken as it chills, so you may need to add a little water when reheating it.
How do I useFor longer storage, you can freeze the teriyaki sauce. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag, leaving some room for expansion. Is it safe to store it in the freezer for up to 3 months? How do you store it in the refrigerator overnight?
To reheat the teriyaki sauce, simply place it in a saucepan over low heat and simmer until warmed through. You can microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
What are the most frequently asked questions on
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Teriyaki Sauce recipe is a true kitchen staple that you’ll find yourself reaching for time and time again. Its incredible flavor, simplicity, and versatility make it a winner in my book. Whether you’re grilling chicken, baking salmon, or stir-frying veggies, this sauce will elevate your dishes to a whole new level. If you’re a fan of Asian-inspired flavors, you might also enjoy my recipe for sesame noodles or peanut noodles. I’ve been making this recipe for years, and it never fails to impress. So, go ahead and give it a try! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. And if you try it, I would love to hear what you did differently. Feel free to post your variations in the comments below. Happy cooking!
Homemade Teriyaki Sauce
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup Soy Sauce
- 0.5 cup Sugar
- 0.25 cup Mirin
- 2 tablespoons Rice Vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon Ginger grated
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a saucepan, combine soy sauce, sugar, mirin, rice vinegar, cornstarch, ginger, and garlic.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly before using.
